LEONARDTOWN, Md. (May 31, 2016)—One of the tall steel construction beams that will support a new three story medical arts building in Lexington Park was put into place during ongoing construction May 10. MedStar St. Mary's Hospital's (MSMH) partnership with Greater Baden Medical Services, Inc. and Walden Behavioral Health to bring the new East Run Health Center to Great Mills Road will provide residents with additional options for medical care at a single location.

"This community health center aligns with MedStar St. Mary's priority to continue to provide integrated care for our communities," said Stephen Michaels, MD, MSMH chief operating officer and chief medical officer. "It addresses a vital need for health services in the southern part of St. Mary's County, while providing residents with convenient one-stop access to those services."

Community studies focused on local healthcare needs have identified Lexington Park as an underserved area. Through this project, MedStar St. Mary's and partnering organizations are working together to help meet those needs.

"Our partnership has evolved from Walden's collaboration with MedStar St. Mary's, supporting the Health Connections van at our Hope Place location and providing behavioral health screening services," stated Dr. Kathleen O'Brien, chief executive officer, Walden Behavioral Health. "As the behavioral health partner in this project, we look forward to working with MedStar St. Mary's and Greater Baden to bring comprehensive integrated healthcare to St. Mary's County."

"Greater Baden joins our partners in enthusiastically awaiting the completion of this state-of-the-art facility," said Colenthia Malloy, chief executive officer of Greater Baden Medical Services, Inc. "Having an access point at this location will afford us the opportunity to provide the highest quality of care for our insured and uninsured neighbors in Lexington Park and surrounding communities."

Scheduled to open in the spring of 2017, the innovative community health center is being developed by The Cherry Cove Group near the corner of Chancellors Run and Great Mills Roads and includes a floor plan designed to foster integrated team treatment planning and discussion.

"We see this not only as a great opportunity for our region, but it will be transformational for the Great Mills corridor and its residents," said Brian K. Norris, president and chief executive officer of The Cherry Cove Group. "East Run Health Center will bring excellent health care closer to where many people work, live and commute."